Scholarship Winners

2017-2018 Returning Student Scholarships

The 2017 Used Book was so successful that our branch was able to award two $3,000 Returning Student Scholarships.

Suzanne Oddo earned a B.A. in Nursing from Lewis University and has 12 years of comprehensive nursing experience. She has been working in Labor & Delivery for the last 7 years. Suzanne lovers her job, but felt a need to acquire tools that would help her to assist and lead others in her profession. She is enrolled in the Master of Science in Nursing program at Olivet Nazarene University with the expectation of receiving her degree in March 2020. Suzanne has 2 daughters and hopes that she is providing a good example to them by pursuing her own dreams.

Robyn-Leigh Zaras received her B.A. in Management from Benedictine University and has been an administrative professional for the past 15 years with an academic and career background in accounting. Robyn realized that she needed to further her education to be promoted. She also realized that she loved auditing! Robyn-Leigh is presently enrolled in the Master of Science in Accounting program at Benedictine University with graduation expected in March of 2019. Robyn hopes that by furthering her education, she is being a good role model to her 3 children.

2017-2018 Dare to Dream Scholarship Recipient

Ariana Nava of Melrose Park was awarded the $1,000 Dare to Dream (D2D) Scholarship this year. Ariana attended Proviso Math and Science Academy, where her classes were at the Honors or AP course levels. Her activities included National Honor Society, math team, volleyball, and volunteering as an altar server at her church. Ariana attended Dare to Dream (D2D) as an 8th grader and later became a panelist at a D2D conference where she shared her experiences and advice for navigating high school with younger girls. She credits D2D with encouraging her to continue her education beyond high school. Ariana plans to attend Northern Illinois University to major in hospitality and tourism management.

2016-2017 Returning Student Scholarship Recipient

Casandra Townsel was chosen this year to receive our Elmhurst Branch’s $3,000 scholarship. With her B.A. in Psychology, she has been a case manager with 19 years of experience providing supportive services to individuals with special needs. Casandra is now working toward an MSW in Social Work at the University of North Dakota in order to be able to provide supportive services in a therapeutic setting. She is currently in the process of becoming a mentor and ultimately a therapist for victims of human trafficking. When Casandra was notified that she was the winner of the scholarship, she was overwhelmed. She said, “In my job there is no money for education or bonuses for doing a good job, so this is so important to me.”

Casandra Townsel, 2017 Returning Scholar Scholarship recipient, accepts her award from May Mallon at the May Supper.

2016-2017 Dare to Dream Scholarship Recipient

The Elmhurst Branch gave Dare to Dream $1,000 to award a scholarship to a Latina high school senior who wishes to attend college after graduation. This year’s Scholarship winner, chosen by the Dare to Dream Scholarship Committee, is Carolay Alvarado. Carolay is a Northlake resident and attended West Leyden High School. She has decided to attend Illinois Wesleyan University and intends to major in chemistry. Carolay eventually hopes to become an obstetrician/gynecologist. She had a 4.2 GPA and carried many AP and Honors classes. Carolay is also involved in many volunteer activities. A native of Honduras, she admits that assimilating to a new culture has been difficult for her and her family. The Dare to Dream: Get Educated Conference, however, provided her with connections and support that helped her get through her first year of high school all the way to now and applying to colleges and universities. “Because of Dare to Dream, I will continue to follow a path of education that will, hopefully, make a significant difference in the world”.

Carolay accepts her $1000 Scholarship from Dare to Dream member Diana Diaz-Espindola at the West Leyden HS Awards Night.

2015-16 Returning Student Scholarship Recipient

Samantha Bauer is attending Washington University in St. Louis where she will study for her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. She plans to pass the NBCOT exam and practice as an occupational therapist. Samantha graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Art, cum laude, from Washington University where she majored in Psychology and in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies. However, it was her experience being paired with a boy at the Caring for Kids Camp coordinated by the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago that challenged her. This boy was non-verbal, low functioning and a reluctant participant in anything. As this child started to respond positively to her sensory activity suggestions, Samantha knew occupational therapy was her goal. “I eagerly await the day I can implement what I’ve learned and create deep, positive change in the life of another as a full-fledged Occupational Therapist,” she wrote in her application essay. It took Samantha two years to complete graduate school prerequisite courses. During this time, she also spent many hours as both an occupational therapist observer and volunteer. Pediatrics currently holds a special interest for her.

2014-15 AAUW Returning Student Scholarship Recipient

2015 Returning Scholar Kathleen Ekeberg with Elaine Davison

Kathleen Ekeberg of Elmhurst is a student at the College of DuPage, having returned to school after a 20-year break. She is studying accounting, with the goal of becoming a CPA. She was chosen by the mathematics faculty to be a “math ambassador,” who encourages other students in their study of math and provides strategies to help them study and overcome their fear of math. She has also been designated a “spotlight student” by the accounting department. In addition to maintaining a 4.0 GPA, Kathleen holds two part-time jobs. Kathleen cites a favorite quote from Olympic Gold-medalist Dara Torres: “You don’t have to put an age limit on your dreams.”

2013-14 AAUW Returning Student Scholarship Recipient

Laura Mikulski of Bensenville. Laura is working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing at

Laura Mikulski receiving scholarship from Elaine Davison

Elmhurst College, with an emphasis in research. She is currently a Junior and looks forward to completing her degree. After college she hopes to pursue a career in advertising, marketing research or development. Laura says, “ I can see my own personal rewards for receiving an education with or without the career that follows. Knowledge really is power. I hope to obtain my masters in the future, provided I can balance my life enough to properly provide for my child. I’m proud to set a good example for her, and with my life experiences I am better prepared to guide her towards her future education and career opportunities.”

2013-14 AAUW Elmhurst Area Branch Dare to Dream Scholarship Recipient

Raquel Cuevas is a remarkable young woman who has overcome the challenge of cerebral palsy to become an outstanding student and prepare for a career in Special Education. In her application essay, Raquel said she had always assumed that she would not achieve much in life because of her disability. But then, “all of that changed the day I went to the Dare to Dream conference. I still remember to this day all of those inspiring Latina women, who told their stories about where they came from and how they got to where they are today. All these obstacles they faced. I thought to myself, I want to be like them. ” Not only is Raquel an honors student, she also participates in Sign Language Club, the Autism Society and Circle of Friends. In addition to tutoring in the York Test Makeup Center, she participates in three leadership classes in which she acts as an aide to students in PE, art and cooking classes. As she wrote, “My CP is a blessing in disguise that has brought me a unique sensitivity for children with disabilities and helps me see beyond their impairments.” Raquel will be attending Illinois State University and hopes to work with the deaf and hearing impaired.

2012-13 AAUW Returning Student Scholarship Recipient

Michelle Halloran of Elmhurst. Michelle is studying at College of DuPage to become a nurse.